Cholesterol absorption inhibitor
To provide a bacterium belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium which is excellent in a survival ability in the gastrointestinal tract, has an effect of inhibiting the cholesterol absorption in the intestinal tract, and is excellent in lipid metabolism ameliorating effects including decreasing the blood cholesterol level and the like, and shows a high survival rate after storage, and a cholesterol absorption inhibitor using the same. The invention provides a cholesterol absorption inhibitor containing, as an active ingredient, at least one microorganism selected from Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis YIT 10394, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis JCM 1253, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis JCM 7117, and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum subsp. globosum.
1. An isolated or purified bacterium or bacteria selected from the group consisting of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis YIT 10394 (FERM ABP-10662), Bifidobacterium pseudolongum subsp. globosum YIT 10392 (FERM ABP-10660), and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum subsp. globosum YIT 10393 (FERM ABP-10661).
2. The bacterium or bacteria of claim 1 which is Bifidobacterium anirnalis subsp. animalis YIT 10394 (FERM ABP-10662).
3. The bacterium or bacteria of claim 1 which is Bifidobacterium pseudolongum subsp. globosum YIT 10392 (FERM ABP-10660).
4. The bacterium or bacteria of claim 1 which is Bifidobacterium pseudolongum subsp. globosum YIT 10393 (FERM ABP-10661).
5. A composition comprising:
the isolated or purified bacterium or bacteria of claim 1 , and
cholesterol.
6. The composition of claim 5 which is a food.
7. The composition of claim 5 which is an animal feed.
8. A method for reducing cholesterol in a subject comprising administering to said subject the isolated or purified bacterium or bacteria of claim 1 in an amount sufficient to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood of said subject.